Reed, who has been dealing with a stinger, sat out yesterday's practice. He was out there for today's walk-through practice, but he was not wearing his helmet nor was he carrying one.

Safety Tom Zbikowski, who hasn't played since sustaining a concussion Oct. 2, has been cleared for contact and participated in practice today.

UPDATE: Zbikowski didn’t sound optimistic that he would get the nod to start at strong safety over Bernard Pollard, who has started the past two games.

“I don’t know what the plans are,” Zbikowski said. “I’ve just been preparing. I’m getting the defense back down and just trying to feel good by getting back into rhythm and everything. Three weeks off may not seem like that much, but in actuality, it is. I’m just trying to get back on and feel comfortable playing and getting back into the timing of things.”

Zbikowski could play on obvious passing downs and make contributions on special teams. If that’s the case, he said he’s up to the task.

“Obviously, that’s something that’s not entirely in my hands, but I’ve been feeling good, and I’ve been preparing all week,” he said. “Hopefully, I put together some good enough practices for them to feel comfortable playing me. I think they will, but crazier things have happened.”